Desiring God by John Piper (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read Chapter 10 (Suffering).
This week's chapter is on the joy found in choosing to suffer as a Christian.
Firstly Piper defines Christian suffering by including sickness with persecution.
Then Piper looks at the motives for Christian suffering. He denies the idea that we suffer simply for the sake of suffering by quoting Paul's condemnation of such a thought in 1 Corinthians 15:19. Instead we are given right motives for suffering:
(i) simple obedience to Christ;
(ii) to show we are Christians;
(iii) to wean ourselves off the breast of self-reliance;
(iv) to magnify Christ as a superior satisfaction;
(v) to fill up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ;
(vi) to expand and strengthen the church.
Then Piper looks at the joys of suffering for Christ:
(i) we will be with Christ in glory;
(ii) the Christians we suffer for are our joy;
(iii) our reward is great;
(iv) our assurance is deepened;
(v) it leads to glory.
I loved the reminder that the people you suffer for are your joy: 'This is why Paul called the people he had won to faith his joy. "My loved brothers, my desired ones, my joy and crown, so stand firm in the Lord, my loved ones" (Philippians 4:1). "Who is our hope or joy or crown of exultation? Is it not even you, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming? For you are our glory and joy" (1 Thessalonians 2:19-20). The church was his joy because in their joy in Christ his joy in Christ was greater. More of Christ's mercy was magnified in multiplied converts of the cross. So when Paul chose suffering in the cause of world evangelization and said that his aim was to "gain Christ," he meant that his own personal enjoyment of fellowship with Christ would be eternally greater because of the great assembly of the redeemed enjoying Christ with him.'
I've only been the minister for the people here at Drummoyne Baptist for two years, but they already are such a joy to me.
Next week's reading
Read the epilogue (Why I have written this book).
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
No comments:
Post a Comment